“The new operator is really aggressively marketing the port to increase cargo volume.”

International and domestic cargo volume at the port has been negligible since the port began full commercial operations in 2005.

Cruz said representatives of Maersk Line came to see the port last week. “Although (the visit was) still exploratory, we are hoping (Maersk) will consider calling at the port in the future,” he said.

“ATI-B is also bringing in more executives from other shipping lines in the next couple of weeks as part of its campaign to put the port on the international radar,” Cruz added.

Source of cargo

Container volume at the port will be boosted by domestic cargo operator NMC Container Lines, Inc (NMCCLI), which will make regular calls starting this month.

NMCCLI will connect Batangas Port to its biggest markets in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. The service will bring in about 227 TEUs per month.

Earlier, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Atty. Oscar Sevilla said APL is expected to resume calling Batangas in the next few weeks.

Formal signing

Last week, PPA and ATI officials signed the 25-year contract for the management, operation, maintenance, development and promotion of the Phase II of Batangas Port or the international container terminal.

Under the contract, ATI will remit to PPA an annual fixed fee of $125.46 million for 25 years in addition to the committed yearly percentage share of projected gross income under the bid totaling $64 million over 25 years.